SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Illumina, Inc. (NAS: ILMN) announced that its iCOGS custom array was used to identify genetic variants related to breast, ovary and prostate cancer as part of the Collaborative Oncological Gene-Environment Study (COGS), the results of which were published today in Nature Genetics and other leading journals.1 Developed in collaboration with four large consortia2 involved in the study, the iCOGS array enables significant advances in understanding the genetic basis of cancer.

Specifically, the iCOGS array identifies single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across selected regions of DNA associated with cancer. Its 200,000 SNPs were drawn from previous genome-wide association studies of the different cancer types and subtypes; associations with disease survival or other traits that are associated with risk of cancer; and functional candidates. The technology was used to test more than 200,000 individuals participating in the COGS.

"This groundbreaking study demonstrates how genomic technology is advancing cancer research," said Jay Flatley, Illumina's President and Chief Executive Officer. "We applaud the efforts of the consortia, and are pleased the iCOGS array played a role in enabling this research that ultimately will help patients."

The COGS findings include a striking increase in the number of genetic associations for breast, ovarian and prostate cancer - nearly doubling the number of known susceptibility regions. The findings also provide insights into the differences between subtypes of cancer, including those revealed from comparisons of Estrogen Receptor+ and Estrogen Receptor- breast cancers, as well as the pathways and mechanisms involved in susceptibility to these common cancers.

David Bentley, Vice President and Chief Scientist at Illumina added, "The partnership of the consortia and their work with us unified an enormous depth of knowledge to create a single, specialized array for application to the entire study cohort. Ultimately, we believe the results of the COGS have significant implications in the understanding and management of cancer."

Illumina (www.illumina.com) is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of life science tools and integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and function. We provide innovative sequencing and array-based solutions for genotyping, copy number variation analysis, methylation studies, gene expression profiling, and low-multiplex analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein. We also provide tools and services that are fueling advances in consumer genomics and diagnostics. Our technology and products accelerate genetic analysis research and its application, paving the way for molecular medicine and ultimately transforming healthcare.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements are detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, or in information disclosed in public conference calls, the date and time of which are released beforehand. We do not intend to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this release.

2 The Breast Cancer Association Consortium (BCAC), the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium (OCAC), the Prostate Cancer Association Group to Investigate Cancer Associated Alterations in the Genome (PRACTICAL), and the Consortium of Investigators of Modifiers of BRCA1/2 (CIMBA).